Andrew Fairlie Scholarship
Positioned as the ultimate educational scholarship that any aspiring chef in Scotland could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for any chef looking to grow their knowledge and gain experience within world renowned establishments.
Supported by HIT Scotland, The Gleneagles Hotel, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Perth College UHI, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship launched in 2019, with the late Andrew Fairlie spearheading the initiative in partnership with HIT Scotland – an industry charity he was closely associated with. Thank you to the Scottish Government for their support which allowed us to create this scholarship.
Applications open each year from August to September, with the final skills test in November. The judges will be looking for a male or female chef with similar values, both personally and professionally, that Andrew had, and his restaurant continues to display, so the right attitude is key, along with professionalism and integrity.
Lead Judge and Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, said
“Each year I look forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us.
“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration of the applicants’ skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.
“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelin starred chef. What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someone who is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”
2025 Competition
The 2025 competition opens on Monday 11th August 2025. Please check back then for the application information.
Competition closes at midnight on Sunday 21st September 2025.
The Winners
Each year the winning chef will receive a variety of once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences, to be taken over a couple of years, enabling them to continue to develop their skills and experience, and grow in their career. Here are our winners so far. Click to read the story of their Final, and see some video highlights of the day.
Prizes
The aim of the prizes is to be eduational, but also inspirational and motivational!
Find out more about how some of our previous winners enjoyed the experiences.
Judging Process
The judging process will involve some of the most talented Chefs in the UK, with an array of Michelin Stars between them. The judges have varied year to year.
Initially, there will be a paper judgement. You will show us your knowledge and creativity by creating a specific dish. We also want to learn a bit more about you as a chef. From this, up to 6 chefs will be chosen to take part in the Grand Final.
The Grand Final will be a skills test where you will show your knowledge, ability and your personal values. You may have to cook the dish from your application, or you may have some other culinary challenge! This will take place at Perth College UHI.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship judging panel will decide who will win based on the skills test, the quality of their application, and the passion that they have shown for the industry. This will be one chef, and this will be announced at the end of the Grand Final day, at The Gleneagles Hotel.
